New Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton is already shattering expectations even if it is still the off-season as he may have hinted that rookie Brandon Ingram will not be part of the starting lineup for the 2016-17 season.

Ingram was the second overall pick in this year's National Basketball Association (NBA) draft. Playing at small forward, he was viewed by many as a starter for Los Angeles alongside D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Timofey Mozgov. But recently, Walton may have revealed the former Duke Blue Devil's role in their new campaign, saying, according to the Los Angeles Daily News' report, "we're not going to throw him into the starting lineup right away."

This means Ingram will first be given the reserve role as the backup of the now projected starter at the no. 3 position, Luol Deng. 

Others may be in favor of this, while some might criticize Walton's handling of the roster. But it might benefit Ingram in the long run. 

Ingram is a prodigy, although he is a rookie, and immediately handing him the starting job might ruin his development. Perhaps, Walton wants the 19-year-old to ascend naturally, instead of forcing things and speeding it all up which may pressure a neophyte in the league. 

Aside from this, having Ingram off the bench assures the Lakers that they have a solid threat in their second unit. 

As the years go by, Ingram is expected to thrive and soon be the main small forward of the Lakers. Maybe, he could also be one of the next franchise stars of the purple and gold. For now, he will settle with the backup role as he continues to learn. 

Walton, Ingram, and the Lakers will open their new campaign at the Staples Center on October 26, taking on the Houston Rockets.